Latest mass shooting raises questions on how to improve security at public places

The movie theater shooting in Louisiana has left people worried -- not necessarily about going to the movies -- but mainly of the continuing mass shootings across the country aimed at killing innocent victims.

“It kind of makes me think it's probably not going happen here, but in the back of mind, it could happen,” said Bethesda resident Lily Hwang.

She points out this isn’t the first shooting in a crowded theater. And all too often we hear about mass casualty shootings at schools and public places.

“It's a societal issue,” said Bernie Rosen, who is visiting Washington D.C. “I don't know that it goes away easily.”

But what can be done? Authorities say Houser bought the gun legally at a pawn shop in Alabama last year.

Would more security and possible measures such as metal detectors at places like theaters, schools and churches make a difference?

“They're not going to be stopped by metal detectors or other devices or even security guards,” Rosen told us. “These are people who have mental problems. They have issues.”

“It doesn't really stop certain people from doing what they're going to do, so I don't know if it would really be helpful,” said Hwang.

People that we spoke with actually feel that dedicating more funding and resources to mental health would be more of a deterrent since authorities now say Houser suffered from manic depression and bipolar disorder.